Hymn to the Fallen

With the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, the San Antonio Symphony’s annual Veterans Day Salute to Service concert may take on new meaning beyond a tribute to our military.

At the national radio announcement of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings was aired. It was performed at Albert Einstein’s funeral. On September 11th I was with the Long Beach Symphony, and we were about to introduce our new music director just a few days later. At first we didn’t know if it would be appropriate to continue with the performance. We decided to proceed, but begin the concert with the Adagio for Strings as a tribute to the victims. The music helped us grieve.

At this week’s Veterans Day concert we are performing John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen” from the movie Saving Private Ryan. We plan to dedicate this performance to all those who have been touched by the Fort Hood tragedy. As we salute our veterans and active military, we know music is a powerful tool to help comfort those in need. I hope you can join us.

When: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 @ 7 p.m.

Where: Municipal Auditorium – 100 Auditorium Circle

Tickets: FREE CONCERT–no tickets or reservations required.

What: Fifth annual Salute to Service concert. San Antonio Symphony Resident Conductor Ken-David Masur leads the orchestra in a rousing, patriotic program featuring selections including Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen and Beckel’s Liberty for All. Radio personality Dave Rios will emcee the event.